Manama:Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak bin Dainah, Minister of Oil and Environment and Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, conducted a visit to the headquarters of Reef Arabia. The purpose of the visit was to review the progress and implementation plan for deploying 10,000 artificial reef units in Bahrain's territorial waters from 2026 to 2030. This initiative is seen as a strategic move to bolster fish stocks, enhance food security, protect marine ecosystems, and restore marine habitats.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Dr. Bin Dainah announced the commencement of the first phase of the project, which involves identifying appropriate locations for the artificial reefs. This selection process is based on specialized environmental studies, with several potential sites in the northern waters of Bahrain currently under assessment.
The project is designed to deploy an advanced network of artificial reef units that will provide suitable habitats for various marine species. The initiative's primary goals include restoring and enriching the marine environment while boosting fish populations and biomass. Dr. Bin Dainah highlighted the long-term benefits for the fisheries sector, noting that the artificial reefs are expected to attract fish closer to shore, thereby reducing operating costs and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
In addition to environmental benefits, the project is expected to contribute to Bahrain's economic diversification and ecotourism, preserving maritime heritage and marine resources for future generations. Halel Engineer, Managing Director of Reef Arabia, expressed enthusiasm for renewed cooperation with the Supreme Council for Environment (SCE), building on a successful 2013 initiative. She noted that Environment Arabia had previously manufactured and deployed 2,600 artificial reef units to enhance fisheries productivity and restore marine ecosystems. The company is now preparing to deploy more than 10,000 units over the next five years, aligning with Bahrain's national sustainability goals.